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Money Management

3 Signs You Should Avoid Shopping at Amazon at All Costs

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
While this article covers some of the reasons to stop ordering from Amazon, I feel a confession is in order. The subject only came up because I’m working on this issue myself. My Amazon shopping has become so habitual that I recently decided to dedicate the month of January to making no Amazon purchases.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. By the time February rolls around, I’ll be ready to debrief, but in the meantime, here are three signs that it may be time for you to take a break with me.1. It’s become a habitI thoroughly enjoy saving money. I don’t mean saving as in, “Look! This sweater is normally $180, and I got it for $90!” I mean, regularly depositing money into our savings and investment accounts. It gives me the same dopamine rush spending once gave me.However, 2020 introduced me to more than a new virus. My husband worked in another state, and I only saw him every two or three weeks. It was just me and our two dogs rattling around the old house, and I was introduced to the habit of ordering anything I needed online.Even when lockdowns were lifted, I decided I didn’t want to go anywhere that would require me to change out of pajama bottoms and into “hard pants.” Instead of only buying things I needed online, I began purchasing stuff I wanted. I’d sit alone in the evening, scroll through the Amazon website, and order all the things I didn’t believe I could live without, like new pajamas and a fun new eyeliner. Soon, I had boxes coming to the house every day and looked forward to hearing the dogs bark loud enough to tell me that an Amazon delivery person was on the porch.If you’ve gotten into the habit of scrolling for the things you want and need, we may be in the same boat and it may be time for you to also back away from Amazon.Are you ever concerned that habitual spending is preventing you from investing in your future? Click here for the best stock brokers for beginning investors to get your bad spending habit headed in the right direction.2. You lose track of how much you spendAs someone who’s never enjoyed shopping, Amazon is an easy way to get the toothpaste, lightbulbs, and puppy treats on my shopping list without leaving the house. There’s a serious problem, though. Most purchases are so small that I forget how quickly they add up.If you ever look through your bank or credit card statement and are shocked by how many purchases you made through Amazon that month, you know what I mean. Pushing the “Place Your Order” button feels like knocking one more task off the to-do list with little risk to your finances.May I suggest a sobering activity? Pull up a bank or credit card statement from last month and quickly add up how much you spent on Amazon. Only you can determine how much is “too much,” but if you’re worried that you’re wasting money or busting your budget every month, it may be time to stop.Need help getting your finances sorted? Budgeting apps can help you see where you stand. Click here for a list of our favorites.3. You sometimes feel badI can’t speak for anyone else, but I’ve begun to feel wrong about the money spent on Amazon. Here’s why: Amazon’s annual revenue hit $575 billion last year, and over the past five years, the company has enjoyed a cumulative annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%. To put that into perspective, Walmart’s growth over the same period was 5%.Between early 2023 and early 2024, it’s estimated that Amazon owner Jeff Bezos earned just under $8 million per hour — that’s $8 million per hour around the clock. According to Inc., Bezos was worth around $107 billion in early 2023. By the time 2024 rolled around, he was worth a cool $177 billion. That’s billion, with a “b.”Do you know who’s not earning $8 million an hour? The lady with the shop down the street trying to make a go of a small boutique and the guy who recently opened a quaint home decor store not far away from the boutique. I should have known my conscience would eventually overtake my desire to stay home in jammies. However, now that it has, I have to do something about it.If ordering what you need from the online behemoth makes you feel bad, it’s okay to stop long enough to figure out why. If you spend more than you should, buy stuff you can easily live without, or suspect you’d feel better supporting local small businesses, it may be time to alter your shopping habits.If you rarely order from Amazon, taking a break doesn’t apply. However, if Amazon shopping sometimes feels like a bad habit, why not do something about it? For me, this means not placing new Amazon orders for at least 31 days. I’ll let you know if I survive.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Dana George has positions in Amazon and Walmart. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

While this article covers some of the reasons to stop ordering from Amazon, I feel a confession is in order. The subject only came up because I’m working on this issue myself. My Amazon shopping has become so habitual that I recently decided to dedicate the month of January to making no Amazon purchases.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

By the time February rolls around, I’ll be ready to debrief, but in the meantime, here are three signs that it may be time for you to take a break with me.

1. It’s become a habit

I thoroughly enjoy saving money. I don’t mean saving as in, “Look! This sweater is normally $180, and I got it for $90!” I mean, regularly depositing money into our savings and investment accounts. It gives me the same dopamine rush spending once gave me.

However, 2020 introduced me to more than a new virus. My husband worked in another state, and I only saw him every two or three weeks. It was just me and our two dogs rattling around the old house, and I was introduced to the habit of ordering anything I needed online.

Even when lockdowns were lifted, I decided I didn’t want to go anywhere that would require me to change out of pajama bottoms and into “hard pants.” Instead of only buying things I needed online, I began purchasing stuff I wanted. I’d sit alone in the evening, scroll through the Amazon website, and order all the things I didn’t believe I could live without, like new pajamas and a fun new eyeliner. Soon, I had boxes coming to the house every day and looked forward to hearing the dogs bark loud enough to tell me that an Amazon delivery person was on the porch.

If you’ve gotten into the habit of scrolling for the things you want and need, we may be in the same boat and it may be time for you to also back away from Amazon.

Are you ever concerned that habitual spending is preventing you from investing in your future? Click here for the best stock brokers for beginning investors to get your bad spending habit headed in the right direction.

2. You lose track of how much you spend

As someone who’s never enjoyed shopping, Amazon is an easy way to get the toothpaste, lightbulbs, and puppy treats on my shopping list without leaving the house. There’s a serious problem, though. Most purchases are so small that I forget how quickly they add up.

If you ever look through your bank or credit card statement and are shocked by how many purchases you made through Amazon that month, you know what I mean. Pushing the “Place Your Order” button feels like knocking one more task off the to-do list with little risk to your finances.

May I suggest a sobering activity? Pull up a bank or credit card statement from last month and quickly add up how much you spent on Amazon. Only you can determine how much is “too much,” but if you’re worried that you’re wasting money or busting your budget every month, it may be time to stop.

Need help getting your finances sorted? Budgeting apps can help you see where you stand. Click here for a list of our favorites.

3. You sometimes feel bad

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’ve begun to feel wrong about the money spent on Amazon. Here’s why: Amazon’s annual revenue hit $575 billion last year, and over the past five years, the company has enjoyed a cumulative annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%. To put that into perspective, Walmart’s growth over the same period was 5%.

Between early 2023 and early 2024, it’s estimated that Amazon owner Jeff Bezos earned just under $8 million per hour — that’s $8 million per hour around the clock. According to Inc., Bezos was worth around $107 billion in early 2023. By the time 2024 rolled around, he was worth a cool $177 billion. That’s billion, with a “b.”

Do you know who’s not earning $8 million an hour? The lady with the shop down the street trying to make a go of a small boutique and the guy who recently opened a quaint home decor store not far away from the boutique. I should have known my conscience would eventually overtake my desire to stay home in jammies. However, now that it has, I have to do something about it.

If ordering what you need from the online behemoth makes you feel bad, it’s okay to stop long enough to figure out why. If you spend more than you should, buy stuff you can easily live without, or suspect you’d feel better supporting local small businesses, it may be time to alter your shopping habits.

If you rarely order from Amazon, taking a break doesn’t apply. However, if Amazon shopping sometimes feels like a bad habit, why not do something about it? For me, this means not placing new Amazon orders for at least 31 days. I’ll let you know if I survive.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Dana George has positions in Amazon and Walmart. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

Is Your Credit Score Higher or Lower Than the Average American’s?

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
Your credit score is a number you may not give much thought to until you’re ready to borrow money, whether in the form of a mortgage, auto loan, or home equity line of credit. But it’s a number you should be paying attention to, since it could dictate whether you qualify for a new loan or credit card, and what interest rate you’re eligible for. Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. Experian, one of the three credit reporting bureaus, says the average U.S. credit score is a 715. Experian also categorizes that score as good, but not great. You need at least a 740 to have a credit score that’s considered very good. And a score of 800 or above is considered exceptional. If your credit score is lower than the average American’s, you may encounter difficulties the next time you try to borrow money. This isn’t to say you won’t get approved for a loan. But you may end up with an interest rate that’s higher than you want. The good news, though, is that you can take certain steps to raise your credit score. And there are also steps you can take to keep yours in great shape if it happens to be higher than the average American’s already. How to boost your credit scoreTo raise your credit score, you need to understand how that number is calculated. Your score is made up of five components:Payment history, which speaks to how timely you are with billsCredit utilization, which measures how much revolving credit you’re using at onceLength of credit history, which measures the length of time your various accounts are openCredit mix, which consists of the different types of credit accounts you have in your nameNew credit accounts, which accounts for your recent loan or credit card applicationsOf these factors, your payment history carries more weight than any other. So if you want to boost your credit score, be sure to pay all bills on time. Second to your payment history, your credit utilization carries the most weight in determining your credit score. It’s best to keep your outstanding credit card balances to 30% of your total credit limit or less. If you’re juggling multiple credit card balances, a good bet is to consolidate them. This might help you pay your debt in a timely manner and whittle it down sooner. Click here for a list of the best balance transfer credit cards so you can consolidate your debt today.How to maintain your strong credit scoreIf your credit score is higher than the average American’s, give yourself a much-deserved pat on the back. But also, take steps to keep it that way. Chances are, if you have great credit, you’re already paying bills on time and keeping your credit card balances low. But another thing you can do is keep long-standing accounts open, even if you’ve found better credit cards to use. If you cancel credit cards you’ve had for a long time, it could have a negative impact on the average length of your credit history, leading to a modest reduction in your credit score. Also, aim to not apply for too many new credit cards at once. If your credit is great, you may be eligible for some of the best credit card offers today, including the top sign-up bonuses. But chasing too many of those in short order could cause a drop in your credit score.Finally, whether you’re looking to improve your credit score or keep it in good shape, make a point to check your credit report regularly in case an error lands on it. You’re entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each reporting bureau — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — every week.Of course, you don’t actually need to check your credit report every week, since that would be overkill. But make sure to review a copy from each bureau at least once every three months. It’s important to compare your credit reports for accuracy because the information they contain may not be consistent. But if you spot an error that works against you, reach out to the bureau in question and work with it to get the mistake fixed. It could make a huge difference in your ability to borrow money affordably.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

Your credit score is a number you may not give much thought to until you’re ready to borrow money, whether in the form of a mortgage, auto loan, or home equity line of credit. But it’s a number you should be paying attention to, since it could dictate whether you qualify for a new loan or credit card, and what interest rate you’re eligible for.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

Experian, one of the three credit reporting bureaus, says the average U.S. credit score is a 715. Experian also categorizes that score as good, but not great.

You need at least a 740 to have a credit score that’s considered very good. And a score of 800 or above is considered exceptional.

If your credit score is lower than the average American’s, you may encounter difficulties the next time you try to borrow money. This isn’t to say you won’t get approved for a loan. But you may end up with an interest rate that’s higher than you want.

The good news, though, is that you can take certain steps to raise your credit score. And there are also steps you can take to keep yours in great shape if it happens to be higher than the average American’s already.

How to boost your credit score

To raise your credit score, you need to understand how that number is calculated. Your score is made up of five components:

Payment history, which speaks to how timely you are with billsCredit utilization, which measures how much revolving credit you’re using at onceLength of credit history, which measures the length of time your various accounts are openCredit mix, which consists of the different types of credit accounts you have in your nameNew credit accounts, which accounts for your recent loan or credit card applications

Of these factors, your payment history carries more weight than any other. So if you want to boost your credit score, be sure to pay all bills on time.

Second to your payment history, your credit utilization carries the most weight in determining your credit score. It’s best to keep your outstanding credit card balances to 30% of your total credit limit or less.

If you’re juggling multiple credit card balances, a good bet is to consolidate them. This might help you pay your debt in a timely manner and whittle it down sooner. Click here for a list of the best balance transfer credit cards so you can consolidate your debt today.

How to maintain your strong credit score

If your credit score is higher than the average American’s, give yourself a much-deserved pat on the back. But also, take steps to keep it that way.

Chances are, if you have great credit, you’re already paying bills on time and keeping your credit card balances low. But another thing you can do is keep long-standing accounts open, even if you’ve found better credit cards to use. If you cancel credit cards you’ve had for a long time, it could have a negative impact on the average length of your credit history, leading to a modest reduction in your credit score.

Also, aim to not apply for too many new credit cards at once. If your credit is great, you may be eligible for some of the best credit card offers today, including the top sign-up bonuses. But chasing too many of those in short order could cause a drop in your credit score.

Finally, whether you’re looking to improve your credit score or keep it in good shape, make a point to check your credit report regularly in case an error lands on it. You’re entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each reporting bureau — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — every week.

Of course, you don’t actually need to check your credit report every week, since that would be overkill. But make sure to review a copy from each bureau at least once every three months.

It’s important to compare your credit reports for accuracy because the information they contain may not be consistent. But if you spot an error that works against you, reach out to the bureau in question and work with it to get the mistake fixed. It could make a huge difference in your ability to borrow money affordably.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

Why I’ve Stopped Buying These 3 Things From Costco

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
There are many benefits to having a Costco membership, and saving money on groceries is definitely one of them. By my estimates, I bank hundreds of dollars in the course of a year by purchasing essential grocery items in bulk instead of paying a higher price per ounce or unit at my local supermarket.Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!But even though I shop at Costco every week, I’ve stopped buying certain products there. Here are three that no longer have a place on my shopping list.1. AvocadosBecause we have a few avocado fans in my family, I used to like buying them in bulk from Costco. The price would typically be cheaper on a per-avocado basis than buying them at a different store.The problem is that bringing home six avocados at a time isn’t helpful for meal-planning purposes. What I tended to find was that all of those avocados would ripen at the same time, leaving me with too many to use at once. At the same time, I often had to wait a while for those avocados to ripen, leaving me devoid of my beloved guacamole for days on end.I’ve realized that avocados aren’t the sort of thing I can buy in bulk. It’s one thing to buy fruits or veggies in bulk that are ripe right away, but with avocados, there are too many question marks.Now, what I do is try to look out for when avocados are on sale at my regular supermarket, and then try to hand-pick two or three at a time with varying levels of firmness. At Costco, you don’t get a say in your assortment — they come pre-bagged. And while buying avocados at a regular supermarket costs me extra per fruit, I save money by avoiding food waste.Plus, I’m able to make back some of that higher cost through cash back on my supermarket purchases. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for grocery store rewards so you can do the same.2. Spices I don’t use every weekI do a fair amount of cooking at home, and there are spices like onion and garlic powder I tend to use every week. But for spices I only use sparingly, Costco isn’t the right source.I didn’t know this initially, but spices can, in fact, get stale over time or lose their potency. So if it’s a spice like rosemary or thyme that I may only use for a specific recipe, I just buy a smaller quantity at my regular supermarket.3. Rotisserie chickenCostco’s $4.99 rotisserie chicken can’t be beat. At my local supermarket, I might pay almost double for roughly the same amount of meat. But I’ve stopped buying rotisserie chicken at Costco for one big reason — my family doesn’t like it.My husband and son are the only people in my household who eat chicken. But the last few times I brought home the Costco one, they complained about the taste.I’m all about saving money on food — but not at the expense of my family members having to eat food they don’t enjoy. I’d rather pay more for store-bought chicken they actually find appetizing.There are big savings to be had at Costco — especially if you’re savvy with the credit card you use. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco shoppers.But it also doesn’t make sense to buy items in bulk if you won’t use them up before they go bad, or if, in the case of fruits or vegetables, you’re apt to run into issues with them being too ripe or not ripe enough. And while Costco’s $4.99 chicken is an unquestionably good deal, if you’re not a fan of the taste, then you shouldn’t torture yourself just to save a few bucks.Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco. Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

There are many benefits to having a Costco membership, and saving money on groceries is definitely one of them. By my estimates, I bank hundreds of dollars in the course of a year by purchasing essential grocery items in bulk instead of paying a higher price per ounce or unit at my local supermarket.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

But even though I shop at Costco every week, I’ve stopped buying certain products there. Here are three that no longer have a place on my shopping list.

1. Avocados

Because we have a few avocado fans in my family, I used to like buying them in bulk from Costco. The price would typically be cheaper on a per-avocado basis than buying them at a different store.

The problem is that bringing home six avocados at a time isn’t helpful for meal-planning purposes. What I tended to find was that all of those avocados would ripen at the same time, leaving me with too many to use at once. At the same time, I often had to wait a while for those avocados to ripen, leaving me devoid of my beloved guacamole for days on end.

I’ve realized that avocados aren’t the sort of thing I can buy in bulk. It’s one thing to buy fruits or veggies in bulk that are ripe right away, but with avocados, there are too many question marks.

Now, what I do is try to look out for when avocados are on sale at my regular supermarket, and then try to hand-pick two or three at a time with varying levels of firmness. At Costco, you don’t get a say in your assortment — they come pre-bagged. And while buying avocados at a regular supermarket costs me extra per fruit, I save money by avoiding food waste.

Plus, I’m able to make back some of that higher cost through cash back on my supermarket purchases. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for grocery store rewards so you can do the same.

2. Spices I don’t use every week

I do a fair amount of cooking at home, and there are spices like onion and garlic powder I tend to use every week. But for spices I only use sparingly, Costco isn’t the right source.

I didn’t know this initially, but spices can, in fact, get stale over time or lose their potency. So if it’s a spice like rosemary or thyme that I may only use for a specific recipe, I just buy a smaller quantity at my regular supermarket.

3. Rotisserie chicken

Costco’s $4.99 rotisserie chicken can’t be beat. At my local supermarket, I might pay almost double for roughly the same amount of meat. But I’ve stopped buying rotisserie chicken at Costco for one big reason — my family doesn’t like it.

My husband and son are the only people in my household who eat chicken. But the last few times I brought home the Costco one, they complained about the taste.

I’m all about saving money on food — but not at the expense of my family members having to eat food they don’t enjoy. I’d rather pay more for store-bought chicken they actually find appetizing.

There are big savings to be had at Costco — especially if you’re savvy with the credit card you use. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco shoppers.

But it also doesn’t make sense to buy items in bulk if you won’t use them up before they go bad, or if, in the case of fruits or vegetables, you’re apt to run into issues with them being too ripe or not ripe enough. And while Costco’s $4.99 chicken is an unquestionably good deal, if you’re not a fan of the taste, then you shouldn’t torture yourself just to save a few bucks.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More 

Can a Pension Really Ding a Widow’s Social Security Benefit?

By Money Management No Comments

 Two Social Security rules can take a big bite out of the benefits of pensioners and their spouses, ex-spouses and survivors. Rocketclips, Inc. / Shutterstock.com

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links within this article, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend. Welcome to Ask Money Talks News, a series answering financial questions submitted by Money Talks Newsletter subscribers. In this installment, we’re talking about two of the lesser-known — but more confusing — aspects of…

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Can’t Afford a College Degree? Consider Certification and a New Job

By Money Management No Comments

 Not everything requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Check out what these jobs require and see if they make sense for you. AYO Production / Shutterstock.com

If you’re itching for a change, careers for which there are certifications are a great opportunity for a new side job or even a path to achieving longer-term goals. Getting certified in a skill or occupation allows you to make a career shift without a huge investment in training or education. A certification also can complement your current career and diversify your skills in the workforce.

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How Much Has the American Middle Class Saved for Retirement (on Average)?

By Money Management No Comments

 Find out how your accounts and investments stack up. EdBockStock / Shutterstock.com

According to reporting from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, people in the middle class expect diverse sources of retirement income. How do your financials stack up? Keep reading to see how your accounts and investment types compare with those of most people. Note on average versus median: The following average numbers are usually higher than median figures because very…

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